SOUTH BEND – There's a rose tattooed on his left side mirrored to the right by an outline of Georgia with a star highlighting Atlanta — "That's home" — and then there's a sentence inked on Tyler Newsome's back: Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.

After Newsome became the first Fighting Irish kicking specialist ever to be named team captain, the fifth-year punter met with media Tuesday morning. He talked for a little more than 10 minutes, sharing what the honor meant to him, showing off his tattoos and, finally, explaining where his rather mature perspective on life comes from.

At 16 years old, a car accident 50 miles outside of Atlanta relegated Newsome to the hospital for 17 days as he recovered from a fractured pelvis and tailbone, a ruptured spleen, broken ribs and a concussion. Doctors didn't know if he'd ever get back to "normal."

Funny part about that concussion? It zapped his brain's filter, so when a doctor told him he may never play football again, Newsome cussed him out. The young punter couldn't fully process the thought of giving up the game.

"That whole experience for me was very eye-opening," he said. "Throughout my time in the hospital I guess I realized nothing is really guaranteed."

It's easy to understand then why Newsome, known for his flashy style and long hair, has earned the respect of teammates and coaches. He shows up to work every day as though it's his last. That intensity helped him grow from a high school prospect who hadn't punted in a game to one of the program's strongest punters.

"He was one of my personal votes for captain because I see the way the guy works," said fifth-year senior center Sam Mustipher. "He's insane about his work ethic, and he truly, like, wants to lead this team. He wants this team to be successful and he'd do anything for us."

Fifth-year linebacker Drue Tranquill and Mustipher were also announced as team captains. Coach Brian Kelly says the team will elect a fourth after spring practices wrap up, but that's still a significant drop from the seven he named last season.

This is an effort, Kelly said, to continue rebuilding the team's culture after he effectively hit the reset button last season. But now, instead of doing things himself, he's leaving it up to players a bit more.

And they made it clear: This punter is beloved.

"You've got to understand, he got 51 percent of the votes," Kelly said. "Where Sam and Drue benefit from a unit they're with, (Tyler) has four guys he's with ... to get that kind of vote as a punter, sends a strong message about how he's looked at by his peers."

Each of these three captains has endured his own trials.

For Newsome, it was a near-death car crash. For Mustipher, it was bobbled snaps during a loss to N.C. state that led to Kelly saying his inability to get the ball up was, "atrocious." For Tranquill — just the 23rd two-time captain in program history — it was ACL tears during his freshman and sophomore years.

But they've all persevered and grown from the missteps. Now, Kelly hopes Notre Dame can do the same behind these captains who've been through it all, from a 4-8 season to two 10-3 campaigns.

Not to be overlooked when talking about Newsome is his work off the field. He won Notre Dame's team award for service in South Bend and a spot in the ACC's Top Six for Service in 2016. Last year, he was a nominee to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Newsome says he probably gets more out of volunteering in his community than the people he's helped. Why? Well, it all goes back to that tattoo and his way of looking at things. He knows he won't be here long, so he's doing all he can to help those around him grow — like any good captain would.

"It not only makes the community better, but it makes me a better person," Newsome said. "I think when you have a full circle like that, it's really special."

After he wraps up his marketing degree later this year, Newsome plans to have a a leprechaun tattooed on his punting foot. Maybe he should add a block letter "C" somewhere, too.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Ian Book (12) celebrates after throwing a go-ahead touchdown pass to wide receiver Miles Boykin (not pictured) against the LSU Tigers during the second half in the 2018 Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports

Notre Dame wide receiver Miles Boykin, left, runs to the end zone past LSU safety John Battle (26) on his way to the score the game-winning touchdown during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. Notre Dame won 21-17. John Raoux, AP

Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Julian Love (27) celebrates after a turnover on downs late in the fourth quarter against the LSU Tigers in the 2018 Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports

LSU linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson, left, breaks up a pass intended for Notre Dame running back Tony Jones Jr. during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. John Raoux, AP

LSU wide receiver Russell Gage (83) tries to get around Notre Dame safety Jalen Elliott (21) after a reception during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. John Raoux, AP

LSU quarterback Danny Etling, left, throws a pass as he is rushed by Notre Dame defensive lineman Daelin Hayes during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. John Raoux, AP

Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book (12) is sacked by LSU nose tackle Ed Alexander (95) during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. John Raoux, AP

Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Nyles Morgan (5) celebrates after the LSU Tigers missed a field goal during the first half in the 2018 Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports